The Hebrew word yachmûwr, represented by H3180, refers to a fallow deer. It appears 2 times in 2 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used exclusively within lists of animals, identifying it as a creature notable for either royal consumption or as ritually clean for food under Mosaic Law.
The word yachmûwr appears in two distinct contexts that highlight its role as a food source. First, it is included in the list of daily provisions for King Solomon's prosperous court, alongside harts, roebucks, and various livestock, showcasing the kingdom's abundance 1 Kings 4:23. Second, it is explicitly named in the dietary laws given to Israel as a clean animal that is permissible to eat, listed among other creatures like the hart, roebuck, and wild goat Deuteronomy 14:5.
Several other terms for wild game are used in conjunction with yachmûwr, helping to define the types of animals found in the region and permitted for food:
- H354 ʼayâl (hart): Defined as a stag or male deer, this word appears with yachmûwr in both of its biblical occurrences, suggesting a close association Deuteronomy 14:5.
- H6643 tsᵉbîy (roebuck): Meaning a gazelle, this term is also present in both lists alongside the fallow deer. The word can also mean splendor or glory, as used in other contexts Isaiah 4:2.
- H689 ʼaqqôw (wild goat): Listed with the fallow deer in Deuteronomy, this word for an ibex helps to specify the kinds of wild animals considered clean for consumption Deuteronomy 14:5.
- H1788 dîyshôn (pygarg): This word for an antelope is another example from the list of clean animals in Deuteronomy, showing the variety of fauna permitted in the Israelite diet Deuteronomy 14:5.
- H8377 tᵉʼôw (wild ox): Described as a species of antelope, it is included in the same catalog of clean animals, further illustrating the specific instructions given to Israel Deuteronomy 14:5.
The significance of H3180 is found entirely within its context as a specific type of animal.
- Royal Provision: Its inclusion in the provisions for Solomon's table is a testament to the wealth and abundance of his kingdom, which was seen as a blessing from God 1 Kings 4:23.
- Dietary Law: Its specific mention in Deuteronomy is part of the divine laws of cleanliness that set Israel apart. By naming the fallow deer, God provided clear guidance on what was permissible to eat, reinforcing the principle of holiness in daily life Deuteronomy 14:5.
- Fauna of the Land: The term contributes to a picture of the biodiversity of the ancient Near East, identifying a specific animal that was part of the natural resources available to the people of Israel.
In summary, yachmûwr is a precise noun for the fallow deer that plays a specific, non-symbolic role in the Old Testament. Its two appearances are not in narrative but in lists, where it serves to either quantify the splendor of Solomon's kingdom or to clarify the dietary laws for the nation of Israel. The word provides a small but concrete detail about the wildlife and resource management of the biblical world.
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